His lips twitch once, but he gives nothing away.
“What exactly do you want from me, Mr. Vice President? You have the power of the Presidential seal and an entire security detail at your beck and call. If you contact the CIA’s Chief of Station in Panama, he’ll be more than happy to send me back to the United States on the next flight—in the cargo hold, if he can get away with it.”
Next to me, Domina fiddles with the hem of her jacket. Her fingers tremble, and I reach over to still them.
“Mr. Basher, the IPS and the Presidential Guard Battalion are responsible for the security of this building. We have cameras over every entrance. They have a dedicated power source and battery backup. Yet they recorded nothing after 2:00 a.m. this morning. My safe was breached, and onlyIknow the combination.”
“Manuel?” Domina asks. “You said nothing earlier—”
I push to my feet. “You think this was an inside job.”
His dark brown eyes shift to the building—and the shadows that move back and forth on the other side of the frosted glass. “I do not know. But a man in my position cannot simply ‘hire a private investigator.’ All my financial records are public. We are having this conversation outside because while my office is checked for cameras and listening devices every day, I do not know how else anyone could have gotten the combination.”
“Mr. Vice President, I’m a has-been with one eye, very little use of my right hand, and a permanent limp. And you want me to…what? Put out some feelers? Why would you trust me?”
With a hearty laugh, Cortez leans his shoulder against the trunk of the palm tree. “Your reputation—once I found someone who would admit you existed—is of a wholly incorruptible intelligence officer whose powers of observation are unmatched. Even with only one eye.” He arches a brow. “The person I spoke with also told me your sense of self-preservation was non-existent.”
Whoever talked is going to regret the day they were born.
Trying to keep my anger in check, I dig the fingers of my right hand into my palm. “If thissomeonedoesn’t keep their mouth shut about me, I’ll never be safe anywhere. Who did you call?”
“I am certain you can figure that out on your own. But I will give you a name if you agree to come to the rally tomorrow. Watch. Listen. Tell me if you see anything out of the ordinary. Through Domina, of course. Because you and I will never be alone together again.”
I take a step back so I can rest my hand on Domina’s shoulder. “I’ll be her shadow for as long as she’ll let me. Just to be damn sure no one hurts her again. Which means I’ll come to the rally. But how the hell are you planning to explainthisconversation to the IPS?” I ask. “Because unless they’re shit at their jobs, they’ll have a nice fat file on me by tomorrow, and they’ll want me as far from that rally—and you—as possible.”
Whatever Cortezthinksis going to happen? It’s a pipe dream. Even if I were willing to put my life on the line for him, I won’t risk Domina.
“I cannot tell my staff whom they are allowed to date,” Cortez says with a cocky grin. “I brought you out here to explain the delicate nature of having a relationship with a member of my campaign. You will look suitably warned when you go back inside. I will inform my detail that you are Domina’s paramour, and that I have vetted you. They will still run a background check, but unless you have been careless in your retirement, they should only find what you wish them to find.”
Damn. If he’s half as quick in his debates, no one stands a chance against him.
Inclining my head, I sink down next to Domina and squeeze her hand. She’s barely reacted to anything he’s said, and I want to get her out of here. Back to my place where I know she’ll be protected. “Are you okay with this, baby?” This time, the term of endearment is intentional. I need to know if she can pretend we’re dating.
She turns to me, and some of the strain in her eyes fades. “Y-yes.” Shifting, she links her arm with mine. “Manuel, are you certain you do not need me after the press conference? Tomorrow’s speech—”
“Is perfect. As always. If I need any last-minute adjustments, someone will call you. I am certain you can make updates from home.”
“She’s not going home,” I say. “She’s staying with me.”
Domina straightens her shoulders, the first hint of defiance shining in her eyes. “Is there some reasonyoucannot stay withme?”
There’s the woman I met that very first night. The one who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to demand it. “Your place it is, then.”
“Ask Rafael for a VIP badge before you leave,” Cortez says. “It will allow Mr. Basher to accompany you to the private areas of the venue tomorrow.” Turning to me, he gives me a pointed look. “You will still be frisked by the IPS and sent through the metal detectors. Domina will be spared all of that by virtue of her position.”
Got it. Any weapons go with her until we’re inside.
“Understood.” I get to my feet, stifling my wince as my hip protests. I jogged halfway here, and I’ll pay for it the rest of the day. “Mr. Vice President, it was an honor.”
He offers me his hand, and despite the nerve damage, I can tell his grip is almost crushing. “You may still regret this, Mr. Basher. I do not know who is after me or why, but this close to the election, I fear any answers you find will not be good.”
Domina fits herself to my side, and her closeness settles me. “I’ll do what I can, sir. You’re married. Two kids?” He nods. “Then you’ll understand what I have to say next. Domina comes first. Always.”
Cortez looks between the two of us, then reaches down to twist his wedding ring on his finger. “I understand, Mr. Basher. I would expect no less.”
CHAPTER TEN
Domina
